Have you or a loved one tested positive for Legionella, also known as Legionnaires’ Disease, at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany, New York? Call us at (518) 463-7784 today for a free case review.
According to local officials, water samples from Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker tested positive for Legionella. As of September 5, twenty people have been hospitalized.
Legionella is the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, which is a severe form of pneumonia. It can also cause Pontiac fever, a mild respiratory disease
Legionella bacteria naturally occurs in freshwater environments, however, the quantities of bacteria in freshwater are insufficient to cause disease. Legionella is a health risk when it grows and colonizes in building water systems such as:
How it is spread:
Legionella infection results from breathing in mist (water droplets) that are contaminated with the bacteria. Water droplets can be inhaled from fixtures such as shower heads, sprayers, and faucets. Generally, Legionnaires’ disease is generally not spread from person to person; however, it may in rare circumstances.
Clinical symptoms:
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease can include the following:
Symptoms of Pontiac fever include fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Who is at risk:
People with the following health conditions are particularly susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease:
Medical Treatment:
Legionella infection requires medical treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
Complications:
Possible complications of Legionnaires’ disease include lung failure, septic shock, acute kidney failure, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 out of every 10 people who gets sick will die due to complications For people who contract Legionnaires’ disease while staying at a healthcare facility, about 1 out of every 4 will die.
Water Prevention:
It is important to monitor water parameters and take preventive measures to identify and reduce the risk of Legionella. A variety of factors can lead to an outbreak of Legionella in building water systems, including:
The owners and operators of building water systems in hospitals, nursing homes, health care facilities, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, hotels, high-rise apartment complexes, and other buildings should have water management policies and procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella and other pathogens in building water systems. The CDC and other partners offer Legionella water management training designed specifically for building managers, public health professionals, maintenance/engineering staff, safety officers, equipment and water treatments suppliers, and related consultants.
Resources:
